Episode Summary: "My Body Is The Crime Scene"
Podcast: The Knife: A True Crime Podcast
Hosts: Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton
Release Date: August 7, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "My Body Is The Crime Scene," hosts Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton delve deep into the harrowing experience of Cassie, a young woman whose life was irrevocably changed after a night that began with excitement and ended in trauma. This episode explores not only the immediate aftermath of the crime but also the prolonged legal battles and emotional toll Cassie endured.
Background: Cassie's College Life
Cassie, originating from Portland, Oregon, describes her transition from a nurturing suburban upbringing to the vibrant yet challenging environment of Oregon State University (OSU). Initially excited about the newfound independence and freedom college promised, Cassie's freshman year was marked by homesickness, prompting her to transfer to Portland State in the fall of 2007. This move allowed her to maintain proximity to her family while still engaging with friends at OSU's famed Greek Row.
Cassie Eaton [03:04]: "I was looking forward to just, I guess freedom is the best way to kind of that independence and freedom of making my own choices."
The Fateful Night: Halloween Party at Delta Chi Fraternity
In October 2008, Cassie attended a joint Halloween party hosted by Delta Chi and Phi Kappa Psi fraternities. Excitement filled the air as she and her friends, dressed in vibrant costumes, anticipated a night of fun and camaraderie.
Upon arrival, Cassie encountered a larger crowd than expected, leading to an initial setback when they found themselves not on the guest list. However, with the help of a fraternity member friend, they gained entry. The atmosphere was electric, with loud music and a carefree vibe.
Cassie Eaton [07:12]: "It was fun. We could hear the music. We could hear the party downstairs in the basement."
The Assault: Cassie's Trauma Unfolds
As the night progressed, Cassie found herself alone with Gregory Sacco, a fraternity member, in his room. What began as a consensual interaction quickly turned into a nightmare. Gregory's advance towards sexual activity led to Cassie being forcibly raped, leaving her physically and emotionally devastated.
Cassie Eaton [17:39]: "He was holding me down with his forearm and had just pushed my underwear aside and was raping me."
The assault was not only a physical violation but also a deeply isolating experience. Cassie's attempts to escape were met with physical restraint, leaving her feeling helpless despite being in a crowded environment.
Immediate Aftermath: Hospitalization and Police Involvement
After the assault, Cassie, accompanied by her friends Nick and Carla, sought medical attention. At the emergency room, she faced a two-hour wait before being seen by a doctor, further prolonging her trauma.
Cassie Eaton [21:59]: "The doctor was asking what had happened... I couldn't explain what was happening or what had happened to me."
The medical examination was invasive, collecting evidence through a rape kit, which Cassie found both necessary and retraumatizing. The separation from her friends by the police during the initial inquiry introduced feelings of abandonment and increased her sense of vulnerability.
Cassie Eaton [26:02]: "I felt scared and lonely and kind of angry at that point, for, like, why couldn't I wait with my friends?"
Legal Proceedings: Trial and Conviction
Gregory Sacco was identified through DNA evidence, which showed a 1 in 10 billion chance of the DNA belonging to anyone other than Cassie. Despite this, Sacco's defense hinged on his intoxicated state, arguing he couldn't be held accountable due to being "blackout drunk."
During the trial, Cassie faced intense scrutiny and victim-blaming questions, such as why she didn't scream for help despite being in a crowded space. The fraternity environment and Sacco's supporters further intimidated her, making the legal process even more daunting.
Cassie Eaton [37:00]: "But he was, yes. I was just identified as a Portland State student."
The jury, requiring only a majority for conviction under Oregon law at the time, found Sacco guilty. He was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison, followed by eleven years of parole and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Pursuit of Justice: Civil Case and Appeals
Unwilling to let the trauma end with the criminal trial, Cassie pursued a civil lawsuit against the fraternity. Initially unsuccessful in 2010 and on appeal in 2012, she ultimately won in 2015. This landmark case was the first in Oregon to hold fraternities accountable for sexual assaults occurring on their premises, prompting policy changes within Greek life organizations regarding alcohol consumption and access to personal rooms.
Cassie Eaton [46:37]: "That was really helpful for me, I think."
The Overturning of Conviction and Its Impact
In 2022, Gregory Sacco's conviction was invalidated due to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling requiring unanimous verdicts for serious crimes. As a result, Sacco was released without the need to register as a sex offender. This development was deeply distressing for Cassie, as it felt like a negation of the justice she had fought so hard to achieve.
Cassie Eaton [50:19]: "I have to be okay with that."
The invalidation not only erased Sacco's conviction but also removed the social and legal markers of his crime, leaving Cassie grappling with unresolved anger and a sense of incomplete justice.
Healing and Moving Forward
Despite the setbacks, Cassie has worked diligently to heal from her trauma. She has become a mother, sought therapy, and actively participates in advocacy through the Rainn Speakers Bureau. Sharing her story has been both a therapeutic process and a means to educate others, particularly within fraternity and sorority communities, about the realities of sexual assault.
Cassie Eaton [53:00]: "Today I'm doing great. I'm finally at the point where it's a part of my story, but it doesn't feel like it's my identity anymore."
Cassie's journey underscores the enduring impact of sexual violence and the complexities of seeking justice within a flawed legal system.
Reflections on the Episode
"The Knife: My Body Is The Crime Scene" offers a poignant exploration of one woman's struggle for justice and healing after a traumatic assault. Through Cassie's narrative, listeners gain insight into the multifaceted challenges victims face, from immediate physical and emotional trauma to prolonged legal battles and societal judgment. The episode highlights the importance of supportive friendships, systemic accountability, and the relentless resilience required to reclaim one's life after such an ordeal.
Notable Quotes
- Cassie Eaton [03:56]: "Before we went off to college, I feel like we were, you know, kind of told that college could be scary and parties could be scary."
- Cassie Eaton [17:39]: "It just felt like it's terrible to think."
- Cassie Eaton [26:25]: "It was very difficult and not something that I ever thought a situation I never thought that I would be in."
- Cassie Eaton [37:16]: "It felt like I was more on trial, that I had to prove myself in some way."
- Cassie Eaton [46:40]: "That was really helpful for me, I think."
- Cassie Eaton [53:00]: "Today I'm doing great. I'm finally at the point where it's a part of my story, but it doesn't feel like it's my identity anymore."
Additional Insights
The episode also sheds light on broader issues such as the prevalence of sexual violence on college campuses, the complexities of the legal system in handling such cases, and the societal tendency to blame victims. Cassie's story is further contextualized with statistics from the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), highlighting that 26.4% of female and 6.8% of male undergraduate students experience rape or sexual assault.
Cassie Eaton [56:09]: "It's like, he raped me, and I, like, cannot get you out of my head."
The episode serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles survivors face and the imperative need for systemic changes to better support and protect victims.
Conclusion
"My Body Is The Crime Scene" is a powerful testament to Cassie's journey through trauma, legal battles, and eventual healing. Hannah Smith and Patia Eaton skillfully navigate the sensitive subject matter, providing listeners with a comprehensive and empathetic portrayal of Cassie's experiences. The episode not only tells a compelling true crime story but also fosters a deeper understanding of the enduring impacts of sexual violence and the importance of resilience and support in the path to recovery.